One Day in Miami Itinerary - Experience Miami in a Day for Under $100
In Miami with limited time to explore? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your one day in Miami, complete with top attractions, free activities, and even dining options. This one day itinerary includes:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
- Miami Seaquarium
- Miami Beach Botanical Garden (free!)
- Bike and Roll Bike Rental OR Duck Tours South Beach
Spending more time in Miami? Take a peek at one of our sample 2 day or popular 3 day itineraries.
Save on Attraction Admission
Visit all of these attractions with the 3-Choice Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this one day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami, there are so many attractions and things to do in Miami to choose from. Depending upon which attractions you choose, you could save up to 40%! Our pass gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. There are tons of great things to do down in Key West, too. Check out our Florida Keys road trip itinerary for ideas on ways to expand your vacation!
Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
These open-top, double decker buses offer comfortable seating (and a nice way to work on your tan) and ensure you’ll see the attractions from a great vantage point. Along the way, your charismatic tour guide will provide an in-depth background to everything you see. With two routes to choose from (a beach loop and a city loop), you're sure to find exciting attractions to explore. Featured stops on the beach route include Central Station, the Perez and Frost Museums, Bass Museum, the Riviera, and more. Stops on the city route include Coconut Grove, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Little Havana, Downtown Miami, and more. A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. However, tours follow a specific route and time schedule and factors such as traffic or weather can lengthen the amount of time between each stop, so be sure to plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Getting In: Big Bus Miami 1-Day All-Loops Tours are available as an attraction option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.
Stop #2: Miami Seaquarium
Start off your day with a visit to one of the most unique attractions in all of Miami -- the Miami Seaquarium. Watch live animal shows, witness scheduled feedings of crocodiles and sharks, and enjoy other interactive animal exhibits. Spanning 38 acres, this must-see marine park is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Some featured critters include Lola the Orca, sea turtles, sharks, colorful tropical birds, and dozens of fish species. They are also particularly known for their work with manatee rehabilitation, so be sure to see those amazing creatures during your visit! Its view of Downtown Miami's skyline is one of its hidden gems, be sure to bring your camera for a fun tourist photo with Miami in the backdrop! We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours to explore the Seaquarium, especially if you plan on taking in one of their animal shows. Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are available as an attraction option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.
Stop #3: Miami Beach Botanical Gardens (free!)
This tiny little oasis in the middle of Miami Beach is 2.6-acre garden that's well worth a half hour or so of your time. Home to various subtropical plants from across the globe, bizarre palms, and plants native to South Florida, the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is the perfect little piece of nature in the middle of an urban setting. They also frequently offer themed guided tours (for a small suggested donation), so if you're traveling in a group or want to spend more time here, you might want to consider that option. Getting In: Admission to the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is free.
Stop #4 (Option 1): Bike and Roll Bike Rental
Miami is such a beautiful city. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean and filled with the striking Art Deco facades, there is always a lovely sight on the horizon in Miami. So why not explore the great outdoors with a bike rental from Bike and Roll? It's an easy and fun way to get around the South Beach area - especially near the beaches - and is even a sneaky way to get some exercise into your vacation. Everyone will love the chance for a leisurely pedal along the beach. After all, if you only have one day in Miami, you can't risk missing out on the gorgeous ocean vistas! Your bike rental comes with a free, easy-to-use map of Miami Beach to make for convenient route planning. Guests typically take a few hours to explore by bike, although you have the rental all day if you want to use it to get around to other attractions. Bike and Roll's helpful staff can help you decide on which route is best for your sightseeing interests, too! Getting In: Miami Bike rentals by Bike and Roll are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.
Stop #5 (Option 2): Duck Tours South Beach
End the day with an entertaining-yet-relaxing 90-minute Duck Tour of South Beach. One of the loveliest parts of Miami, this famed beachfront locale has plenty of sights and sounds for tourists to enjoy. You'll get to see sights from both land and sea in the famed amphibious vessels that travel on both roads and in the water. Some of the amazing places you'll see on this informative tour include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, and more. And besides, who doesn't love the aquatic fun of a duck tour? Be sure to bring your cameras -- you'll go by lots of iconic landmarks on this interactive tour! Reservations are required for South Beach Duck Tours, so be sure to make them in advance, and arrive a fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure time. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.
Let's Recap
Follow this one day in Miami itinerary and save on combined admission to the Miami Seaquarium, Duck Tours South Beach, and a Bike and Roll Bike Rental with the 3-Choice Miami Explorer Pass®. Or, choose from over 25 included attraction options to make a sightseeing itinerary tailored to your interests. Either way, your one day in Miami is sure to be tons of fun! The Go Miami® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility during your vacation.